Royal London Walking Tour: Early Access Tower of London & Changing of The Guard

Meet your guide outside the Tower of London in the morning. Receive your early access ticket, then listen to your guide’s commentary before heading inside to explore independently. Bypass any entrance lines and step straight inside to see the opening ceremony. You’ll also be one of the first to enter the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels — a dazzling collection of jewels still used today by Queen Elizabeth II — have been stored since 1303. You may also witness the opening ceremony, performed by the Yeoman Warders, or ‘Beefeaters.’

Stroll along the East Wall Walk for bird’s-eye views of the city streets, and see the ravens that have lived here since the reign of King Charles II. Visit the White Tower, Medieval Palace and Traitors’ Gate, and see the Tower Green where a string of traitors and monarchs, including Anne Boleyn, were executed.

After your visit, meet back up with your guide and head to a nearby pier where a cruise boat awaits. Hop aboard and find yourself a spot on deck, then have your camera ready as you set off on a 30-minute Thames River cruise. Listen to your guide share interesting details about the sights you see including St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Disembark at Embankment Pier, then stroll with your guide to Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade to watch the Changing of the Guard. Listen to your guide talk about the ceremony’s history, then watch as the crimson-clad Queen’s Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry perform this impressive procedure.

Finish your tour outside Buckingham Palace. See the balcony where the British Royal Family appear during major events, and hear tales of murderous intruders and amorous princes scaling the walls to get both in and out.

Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning — the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.